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Hunting Areas on the Refuge
Safety and Hunting: A Perfect CombinationHunter's Safety
Cooler temperatures and shorter days are two signals to outdoor sportsmen that hunting season is getting closer. A rewarding outdoor experience relies on sportsmen following safe hunting techniques while in the field. Safe gun handing, blaze orange clothing, knowing the target and what is beyond it before shooting are some important safety hunting practices that protect hunters while in the field. There have been some recent news articles relating to harvesting sport game. There are now some additional safety precautions and recommendations that hunters may wish to follow this hunting season:
West Nile Virus
The mosquitoes are gone so is the chance of contacting the West Nile Virus. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is recommending hunters wear rubber gloves when they clean and butcher game birds this fall to avoid any possible infection from the West Nile Virus. The protective gloves will prevent blood exposure to bare hands. Also, remember to wash hands and equipment thoroughly after cleaning and dressing game birds. The DNR article related that similar recommendations have been issued by officials in South Dakota, Ohio and Virginia, as well as by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (MN.DNR, News Releases. Gloves recommended for dressing game birds (2002-09-27))
Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic Wasting Disease is a brain disease that effects North American elk, mule and white-tail deer populations. Some of the symptoms that can be observed include poor body condition, the animal exhibits tremors, may be stumbling, has increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, or experiencing excessive thirst or urination. Hunters should be aware of these symptoms when taking game animals this hunting season.
The USFWS Regional Safety Office encourages hunters to contact their State Department of Natural Resources Offices and State Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Division Offices to reference programs and precautions for handling and processing deer. In Michigan, the state has finalized a surveillance and response plan for Chronic Wasting Disease. See details at: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12150_24910---,00.html
Outdoor sportsmen will be going afield this season prepared for a safe and enjoyable hunt. However, this hunting season hunters may need to take further precautions in order to ensure their safety.
Small Game |
Area A |
Area B |
Ruffed Grouse |
Closed |
State Season |
Woodcock |
Closed |
State Season |
Varying Hare |
Dec.1 - Mar.31 |
State Season |
Big Game |
Area A |
Area B |
Deer (archery) |
Late State Season |
State Season |
Deer (gun) |
State Season |
State Season |
Deer (Muzzle-loader) |
State Season |
State Season |
Bear |
Closed |
State Season |
Baiting (including salt, smudge pots and items requiring ignition) for deer, bear or any other species is PROHIBITED.
Species not listed MAY NOT be taken
Use of dogs for bear is prohibited. Dogs are permitted for upland game
Vehicles are allowed only on Refuge roads open to the public. Do not travel on trails or fire breaks. Do not block any of the gates.
All-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles ARE NOT permitted on the refuge.
Deer hunters may camp on the Refuge west of the Driggs River during Michigan's state fire arms deer season. Camping is prohibited east of the Driggs River, and in Natural, Wilderness and other closed areas. All Campers must register and obtain a permit at Refuge Headquarters. Maps are available at Refuge Headquarters.
Blinds built with natural dead and down material from the area are allowed. No cutting of standing trees or shrubs (dead or alive). No screw in steps or any objects that penetrate through the bark of a tree. Ground blinds built of manufactured material, or portable tree strands must be removed at the close of hunting season. Blind must be clearly marked with the owner's name and address. Only one stand per hunter.
Injuries or accidents must be reported immediately to the Refuge headquarters
Cutting shooting lanes is not permitted
In addition to these regulations, hunters must comply with Michigan's state hunting regulations.
Click on the image below for a full-sized map of hunting areas on the Refuge!
Game Animals - Data from 1998 Biological Report
Black Bear : The average in our area is 1 bear per every 2 square mile. A 2004 survey by the Michigan DNR counted 34 Black Bear along Walsh Ditch. The Michigan DNR will conduct a tetracycline survey in 2006.
White-tailed Deer: A Conservative estimate of 8-10 deer per square mile. Opportunity to hunt older bucks exists. The 2000-01 winter was tough on the deer population, while the 2004-05 winter was not as bad.
Regulations
Ruffed Grouse: The 10-stop route yielded 4 drums by 4 birds in 2005. The population is approaching or is at its cyclic low.
